Threaded connection element

ABSTRACT

A threaded connection element adapted to reside in secure embedded relation within a wall structure of a fluid containment unit. The connection element includes a proximal portion adapted to engaging a thickness dimension of the wall structure and a distal threaded portion adapted to project away from the wall structure for attachment to an engagement structure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Non-Provisional Application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/986,084 filed Nov. 7, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to threaded connection elements and, more particularly, to threaded connectors including a proximal base adapted to reside below a surface of a support wall structure and a threaded distal end adapted to project away from the support wall structure for attachment to a removable engagement member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fluid containment units such as oil pans, chemical storage reservoirs and the like may form part of a fluid distribution circuit. Such containment units may incorporate entrance and/or exit ports to permit fluid to be introduced and expelled as required. In some instances, it may be desirable to use a connection element at the entrance and/or exit port to establish a fluid connection between the containment unit and an exterior member such as a filter or the like. Such connection elements may be required to withstand multiple cycles of engagement and disengagement with the filters or other engagement members as they are replaced over time. Thus, the connection unit may benefit from relatively substantial structural stability. Conversely, the containment unit itself may not be required to exhibit substantial structural strength. Thus, the use of relatively thin-walled materials of construction may be desirable to reduce weight.

Due to the different strength requirements for the connection element and the fluid containment unit, forming the connection element as an integral portion of the fluid containment unit may not be desirable. Likewise, attachment by welding or similar connection techniques may not be suitable for polymer containment units and/or thin-walled units and may be difficult to reverse in the event that the connection element becomes damaged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a threaded connection element adapted to reside in secure embedded relation within a wall structure of a fluid containment unit. The connection element includes a proximal portion adapted to engaging a thickness dimension of the wall structure and a distal threaded portion adapted to project away from the wall structure for attachment to an engagement structure.

According to one exemplary feature, a proximal portion of the connection element includes a knurled ring segment including an irregular surface adapted to engage the thickness dimension of the wall structure.

According to another exemplary feature, a proximal portion of the connection element includes a knurled ring segment adapted to engage the thickness dimension of the wall structure and a flange structure disposed at a position rearward of the knurled ring segment adapted for seated relation against an underside of the wall structure.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features throughout the various views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side view of a first embodiment of a connection element in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic cut-away view of the connection element of FIG. 1 housed within a containment wall structure of a fluid containment vessel in attached relation with a removable filter.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic side view of a second embodiment of a connection element in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic cut-away view of the connection element of FIG. 3 housed within a containment wall structure of a fluid containment vessel in attached relation with a removable filter.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalence thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a connection element 10 consistent with the present disclosure. The connection element 10 has a generally hollow unitary body defining an interior through bore for use in conveying fluid along the interior of the connection element. As shown, the body of the connection element 10 includes a knurled ring segment 12 including an arrangement of projections in the form of teeth disposed in a pattern circumferentially about a proximal portion of the connection element 10. The outer edges of the teeth define an effective outer diameter of the knurled ring segment 12. As shown, a collar segment 14 is disposed in forward adjacent relation to the knurled ring segment 12. In the illustrated exemplary construction, the collar segment 14 has an outer surface defining a collar diameter which is less than the effective outer diameter of the knurled ring segment 12. A radial shoulder 16 extends between the collar segment 14 and a reduced diameter neck portion 20 having a diameter less than the collar segment 14. As shown, the radial shoulder 16 may have a rounded forward edge, although a sharp edge may likewise be utilized if desired. A threaded segment 22 defining a nipple is disposed forward of the neck portion 20. As will be described further hereinafter, the threaded segment 22 is adapted to engage a thread-accepting displaceable member. In the illustrated construction, the threaded segment includes a lead-in chamfer 24 at the first thread to facilitate threaded engagement with the displaceable member. The connection element is preferably cold-formed using relatively heavy gauge steel or other metal rod stock although other structural materials may likewise be utilized if desired.

Referring to FIG. 2, the connection element 10 of FIG. 1 is shown in threaded relation within a removable filter 30 shown in phantom. As illustrated, the connection element 10 is held in partially embedded relation within a wall segment 32 defining an outer wall of a fluid containment unit such as an oil pan or the like. In the illustrated arrangement, the threaded segment 22 projects outwardly away from an exterior surface 34 of the wall segment 32 to engage the filter 30. The knurled ring segment 12 is disposed at a position below the exterior surface 34 such that the knurled ring segment 12 engages at least a portion of the thickness dimension in the wall segment 32 and is held in clamped relation by the surrounding wall segment. As will be appreciated, the contoured surface of-the knurled ring segment 12 substantially limits rotation of the connection element 10 thereby facilitating a tight threaded relation between the connection element 10 and the filter 30 or other displaceable member. Accordingly, torque applied to the filter 30 does not translate to rotation in the connection element 10. Moreover, the presence of the connection element 10 within the wall segment 32 may provide enhanced stability to the wall segment 32.

By way of example only, insert molding may be used to achieve the desired orientation of the connection element 10 within the wall segment 32 to achieve secure engagement. Such insert molding may be carried out by first forming the connection element 10 and thereafter molding the wall segment 32 around a portion of the knurled ring segment 12 and the collar segment 14 such that a portion of the material forming the wall segment 32 extends into the depressions between the raised surfaces around the knurled ring segment 16. A portion of the material forming the wall segment 32 may also extend in overlying relation to at least a portion of the radial shoulder 16 and/or behind a rear surface of the knurled ring segment 12 to further aid in locking the connection element 10 in place. In performing such insert molding, any suitable material of construction may be used to form the wall segment 32. By way of example only, and not limitation, exemplary materials for forming the wall segment 32 may include plastics, composites and metals such as aluminum and the like.

As will be appreciated, the connection element 10 is also adapted for press-fit insertion into position within the wall segment 32. In such a practice, the connection element may be pressed into a preformed opening extending across the wall segment 32. The pressure between the wall segment 32 and the knurled ring segment 12 thereafter prevents rotation of the connection element 10. Such a press-fit arrangement may be particularly well suited for use in wall segments formed from materials of relatively high resiliency including plastics, resilient metals and the like.

FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a connection element 110 wherein elements corresponding to those previously described are designated by corresponding reference numerals within a 100 series. The exemplary connection element 110 is in the form of a unitary hollow body including a knurled ring segment 112 with an arrangement of teeth disposed in a pattern circumferentially about the connection element 110 with interposed depressions between the teeth. The outer edges of the teeth define an effective outer diameter of the knurled ring segment 112. A collar segment 114 is disposed in forward adjacent relation to the knurled ring segment 112. In the exemplary construction, the collar segment 114 has an outer surface defining a collar diameter which is less than the effective outer diameter of the knurled ring segment 112. A radial shoulder 116 extends between the collar segment 114 and a reduced diameter neck portion 120 having a diameter less than the collar segment 114. As shown, the radial shoulder 116 may have a rounded forward edge, although a sharp edge may likewise be utilized if desired. A threaded segment 122 is disposed forward of the neck portion 120. In the illustrated construction, the threaded segment 122 includes a lead-in chamfer 124 at the first thread to facilitate threaded engagement with a displaceable member.

The connection element 110 illustrated in FIG. 3 further includes a flange member 140 disposed rearward of the knurled ring segment 112. The flange member 140 defines an annular ring having an edge surface projecting radially away from a central longitudinal axis. As shown, the flange member 140 is characterized by an outer diameter greater than the effective outer diameter of the knurled ring segment 112. The flange member 140 is spaced apart from the knurled ring segment 112 by a reduced diameter spacing segment 142 to define a forward-facing flange shoulder 144. Although the flange shoulder 144 is illustrated as rounded, a sharp-edge configuration may likewise be utilized if desired.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, in the condition wherein the connection element 110 is embedded within a wall segment 132, the flange shoulder 144 may be seated against an interior surface 146 of the wall segment 132 with outer edges of the flange member 140 extending to an outboard position. The flange member 140 thus acts to block the connection element 110 against withdrawal in an outward direction.

As with the earlier described embodiment, the connection element 110 is adapted for insert molding at a desired position within the wall segment 132 to achieve a secure construction. Such insert molding may be carried out by first forming the connection element 110 and thereafter molding the wall segment 132 around a portion of the knurled ring segment 112 and the collar segment 114 such that a portion of the material forming the wall segment 132 extends into the depressions between the raised surfaces around the knurled ring segment 116. A portion of the material forming the wall segment 132 may also extend in overlying relation to at least a portion of the radial shoulder 116 and behind a rear surface of the knurled ring segment 112 in overlying relation to the forward facing flange shoulder 144 to further aid in locking the connection element 110 in place. In performing such insert molding, any suitable material of construction may be used to form the wall segment 132. By way of example only, and not limitation, exemplary materials for forming the wall segment 132 may include plastics, composites and metals such as aluminum and the like.

As will be appreciated, the connection element 110 is also adapted for press-fit insertion into position within the wall segment 132. In such a practice, the connection element may be pressed into a pre-formed opening located at the interior surface 146 and extending across the wall segment 132. Insertion is terminated when the flange member reaches the blocking position with the flange shoulder pressed against the interior surface 146. The pressure between the wall segment 132 and the knurled ring segment 112 thereafter prevents rotation of the connection element 110. Such a press-fit arrangement may be particularly well suited for use in wall segments formed from materials of relatively high resiliency including plastics, resilient metals and the like.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims. 

1. A threaded connection element adapted for embedded relation within a wall of a fluid containment structure, the connection element comprising: a body of hollow construction adapted to convey fluid along the length of the connection element, said body including a knurled ring segment disposed at a proximal portion of said body, said knurled ring segment having a plurality of projections extending radially away from a central axis along said body with depressions between said projections, the edges of said projections collectively defining an effective outer diameter of said knurled ring segment, said body further including a threaded nipple segment disposed forward of said knurled ring segment, said threaded nipple segment having an effective outer diameter less than the effective outer diameter of said knurled ring segment, said knurled ring segment being adapted for embedded relation within said wall such that at least a portion of said projections engage a thickness dimension of said wall with said threaded nipple segment projecting away from an outer surface of said wall.
 2. The threaded connection element as recited in claim 1, wherein said threaded nipple segment includes a lead-in chamfer at a forward thread of said threaded nipple segment.
 3. The threaded connection element as recited in claim 1, wherein said body further includes a collar segment disposed forward of said knurled ring segment and in adjacent relation to said knurled ring segment, said collar segment having an effective outer diameter less than the effective outer diameter of said knurled ring segment and greater than the effective outer diameter of said threaded nipple segment.
 4. The threaded connection element as recited in claim 3, wherein said collar segment defines a forward facing shoulder disposed between an outer circumferential surface of said collar segment and a reduced diameter neck portion disposed between said collar segment and said threaded nipple segment.
 5. The threaded connection element as recited in claim 4, wherein said threaded nipple segment includes a lead-in chamfer at a forward thread of said threaded nipple segment.
 6. The threaded connection element as recited in claim 1, wherein said body is formed from metal.
 7. The threaded connection element as recited in claim 6, wherein said metal is steel.
 8. A threaded connection element adapted for embedded relation within a wall of a fluid containment structure, the connection element comprising: a body of hollow construction adapted to convey fluid along the length of the connection element, said body including a knurled ring segment disposed at a proximal portion of said body, said knurled ring segment having a plurality of projections extending radially away from a central axis along said body with depressions between said projections, the edges of said teeth collectively defining an effective outer diameter of said knurled ring segment, said body further including a threaded nipple segment disposed forward of said knurled ring segment, said threaded nipple segment having an effective outer diameter less than the effective outer diameter of said knurled ring segment, said body further including a substantially annular flange member disposed rearward of said knurled ring segment, said flange member having an effective outer diameter greater than the effective outer diameter of said knurled ring segment, said flange member defining a forward facing flange shoulder spaced axially apart from said knurled ring segment, said knurled ring segment being adapted for embedded relation within said wall such that at least a portion of said projections engage a thickness dimension of said wall with said threaded nipple segment projecting away from an outer surface of said wall and said flange member disposed behind an inner surface of said wall.
 9. The threaded connection element as recited in claim 8, wherein said threaded nipple segment includes a lead-in chamfer at a forward thread of said threaded nipple segment.
 10. The threaded connection element as recited in claim 8, wherein said body further includes a collar segment disposed forward of said knurled ring segment and in adjacent relation to said knurled ring segment, said collar segment having an effective outer diameter less than the effective outer diameter of said knurled ring segment and greater than the effective outer diameter of said threaded nipple segment.
 11. The threaded connection element as recited in claim 10, wherein said collar segment defines a forward facing shoulder disposed between an outer circumferential surface of said collar segment and a reduced diameter neck portion disposed between said collar segment and said threaded nipple segment.
 12. The threaded connection element as recited in claim 11, wherein said threaded nipple segment includes a lead-in chamfer at a forward thread of said threaded nipple segment.
 13. The threaded connection element as recited in claim 8, wherein said body is formed from metal.
 14. The threaded connection element as recited in claim 13, wherein said metal is steel.
 15. A fluid containment structure including an embedded threaded connection element, the fluid containment structure comprising: containment wall structure; and a threaded connection element of unitary construction disposed in embedded relation within said containment wall structure, said threaded connection element including a body of unitary hollow construction adapted to convey fluid along the length of the connection element, said body including a knurled ring segment disposed at a proximal portion of said body, said knurled ring segment having a plurality of projections extending radially away from a central axis along said body with depressions between said projections, the edges of said projections collectively defining an effective outer diameter of said knurled ring segment, said body further including a threaded nipple segment disposed forward of said knurled ring segment, said threaded nipple segment having an effective outer diameter less than the effective outer diameter of said knurled ring segment, said knurled ring segment being disposed in embedded relation within said containment wall structure with at least a portion of said projections engaging a thickness dimension of said containment wall structure and said threaded nipple segment projecting away from an outer surface of said containment wall structure.
 16. The fluid containment structure as recited in claim 15, wherein a portion of said containment wall structure extends into said depressions between said projections.
 17. The fluid containment structure as recited in claim 16, wherein said body further includes a collar segment disposed forward of said knurled ring segment and in adjacent relation to said knurled ring segment, said collar segment having an effective outer diameter less than the effective outer diameter of said knurled ring segment and greater than the effective outer diameter of said threaded nipple segment and wherein said collar segment defines a forward facing shoulder disposed between an outer circumferential surface of said collar segment and a reduced diameter neck portion disposed between said collar segment and said threaded nipple segment and wherein a portion of said containment wall structure is disposed in covering relation to said collar segment.
 18. The fluid containment structure as recited in claim 17, wherein, a portion of said containment wall structure is disposed behind said knurled ring segment.
 19. The fluid containment structure as recited in claim 18, wherein said body further includes a substantially annular flange member disposed rearward of said knurled ring segment, said flange member having an effective outer diameter greater than the effective outer diameter of said knurled ring segment, said flange member defining a forward facing flange shoulder spaced axially apart from said knurled ring segment, said flange member being disposed behind an inner surface of said containment wall structure with said flange shoulder projecting towards said inner surface.
 20. The fluid containment structure as recited in claim 15, wherein said body is steel and said containment wall structure is a polymer and wherein a portion of said containment wall structure extends into said depressions between said teeth. 